Press Releases

Washington, D.C. (June 1, 2015) – Today the U.S. House passed H.R. 1335, the Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act. This bill reauthorizes the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management program through fiscal year 2019, refocusing authority in the regional fishery management councils instead of continuing with a federal one-size-fits-all approach. The bill also enhances transparency in the science and development of fisheries management plans, and streamlines the regulatory process to avoid duplication while still retaining consistency with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

In response to passage of the bill Western Caucus Chairman Cynthia Lummis (WY-At large) issued the following statement:

“Coastal states and regions boast abundant and diverse fish species and the know-how to manage them responsibly,” said Chairman Lummis. “This bill ensures that adequate authority and flexibility are available to the regional management councils set up by the Magnuson-Stevens Act of 1976, so they better meet the needs of local fisheries and fishermen instead of a cookie cutter approach developed in Washington. Whether it’s federal lands in the west or federal waters off the coast, transparency, elevating local voices, and eliminating regulatory duplication are goals all should share and these goals are advanced by this bill. The broad and diverse base of support for this bill shows that it’s a real win for coastal states, fishermen, and coastal communities.”

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